WRAP: This quarter-final lived up to it's pre-match billing much to the brilliance of Tsonga who rose to the occasion and can feel slightly aggrieved that he is exiting the tournament in the last eight. Both men matched each other for consistency, stamina and shot-execution and it was just fine margins and few points that divided the world No 3 and No 8. But for a couple of points in the first and third set tie-breaks, Tsonga might have been preparing for a Friday showdown with Murray, but it was Federer who held his nerve and upped his level yet again for his ninth win in 12 matches against the Frenchman.

12.24Federer: It was a pleasure playing against Jo tonight. We haven't played each other for a year. He was very aggressive, he returned much better than he has in the past which will make him more difficult to beat in the future.

On facing Murray: I've got to recover a little bit but I'll be fine. It will be extremely tough, after such a great year for him last year. He's a great guy and a great player and hopefully our match on Friday will be special again.

<noframe>Twitter: OptaJim - 0 - Andy Murray is the only Australian Open semi-finalist yet to drop a set so far - Ferrer (3), Djokovic (3), Federer (2). Fresh.</noframe>

FEDERER BEATS TSONGA TO SET UP SEMI-FINAL SHOWDOWN WITH MURRAY

12.18 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6 Federer* Federer gingerly makes his way to net but it pays dividends as Tsonga whacks his return into the net post. Tsonga continues to believe that he can get back into this match when a Federer error lets him in at 30-15 but he rattles off the next two for a fifth match point. This time he takes it, coming to net and sending a volley home to wrap up the contest and book a semi-final clash with Murray. FEDERER BOOKS SEMI-FINAL SPOT

12.14 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 3-5 Federer Tsonga wipes his brow as he rattles down another ace but follows it up with an unforced error and his energy levels seem to be desserting him. Another error hands Federer two match points. Federer hits long on the first service return and fends him off with a strong second serve for deuce. Some unbelievable play from Federer brings up a third match point as he teases Tsonga by drawing him in, sending him to the back of the court before delivering the killer blow. But Tsonga responds with some super-human tennis of his own, stretching to return a drop shot and getting the ball back to deny Federer again. A third deuce later and Federer has a fourth match point but catches the tape with his return. Tsonga takes the next two points to make Federer serve for the match.

12.04 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 2-5 Federer* Tsonga is starting to look a little agitated out there now as Federer ups his level again and is pushing the Frenchman's buttons. In a flash he's another two game points up and he doesn't need a second invitation, rushing to net to dispatch a volley. He's one game away from the semis.

12.01 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 2-4 Federer Federer is bouncing round the court with all the enthusiasm of a sprightly teenager competing in a first major. This is his 35th appearance at a grand slam quarter-final and he hasn't lost any of his competitive spirit. Federer gets a lucky break when the ball catches the tape and lands agonisingly over the net and Tsonga affords himself a brief smile. But the Frenchman digs deep to save two break points, and then fizzes a forehand winner down the line which the crowd appreciate. Federer misses a return on the next point and allows Tsonga to hold. Time will tell if Federer will rue those missed chances.

Patrick Hanlon on Murray's preferred opponent:

It has got to be Tsonga whom he has an excellent recent record. Despite Federer's advancing years I think he still has a psychological edge over Murray so I'm hoping it's Tsonga.

11.55 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-4 Federer* The volume levels have been cranked up on Rod Laver with every point their favourite son Federer wins. Tsonga is finally given a first point off the world No 2's serve when he hits long, really long but he smacks home a volley to keep Tsonga at bay. A first game point is squandered when he nets a straight-forward volley but takes it on the next when Tsonga can't get to an outswinging return.

11.51 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-3 Federer Tsonga's backhand goes missing as Federer charges to two break points and when Tsonga nets what had been a regulation backhand before this game, Federer's corner sense this match is there for the taking now. FEDERER BREAKS

11.48 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-2 Federer* Tsonga dances to his chair despite failing to win a single point off Fed's serve this set. Meanwhile, Laura Robson has a burning question. Not who's going to win this classic or anything really match related.

11.46 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-1 Federer Tsonga was giving his eyes a good workout in the interval at the end of the fourth set but his vision is anything but off. Ace No 16 of the night edges him to 40-30 but his length is out when he overhits a backhand for deuce. No need to press the panic button as two more aces and the game is his.

11.41 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 0-1 Federer* Federer never seems to be unsettled when he drops a set, saying that he's still only dropped two sets in Melbourne this year, both coming today. Another service game to love and we're up and running in the fifth.

11.38 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 Federer That break of serve has rattled Federer and he produces a customary backhand winner to edge in front before Tsonga takes the next two points to move to set point. He's bullying Federer off the court. Tsonga wins it with an ace to take match into fifth-set decider. TSONGA WINS FOURTH SET TO LEVEL MATCH

11.35 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 5-3 Federer* Tsonga loses first point and then sprints to his corner for another change of racket, it worked last time. He uses it to scratch the back of his head instead of smashing in on the blue hard court as Federer edges 30-15 up but he pegs him back with another sweeping backhand. He then won't allow Federer to pass him as he moves to break point and this time he takes the opportunity to advance in and delievers a perfect backhand sliced volley. TSONGA BREAKS

11.30 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 4-3 Federer Federer shakes his head as he sees a mini-break chance go by as Tsonga fires down ace No 14 of the match. The Frenchman is staring at two break points but another powerful first serve gets him off the hook. He can't prevent a second as Tsonga slices into the net. FEDERER BREAKS

11.26 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 4-2 Federer* Tsonga's eye is very much in tonight and he's making Federer run down every single point and pushing the great man to the limit. What looked to be a straight forward game for Federer now sees Tsonga with another break point shot. A slug-fest later and Federer blinks first to hit long. TSONGA BREAKS

The eyes have it

11.20 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 3-2 Federer The rally-count might be low in this match, but the shot-making and shot-execution is fantastic to watch with both men matching each other winner-for-winner. Over two and a half hours on court now and you wouldn't bet against Tsonga taking this to a fifth set (although I did predict that the winner of the third set would go on to take the match). Tsonga holds.

11.17 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 2-2 Federer* Wow, take that. Tsonga is clearly buoyed by that last great escape act, unleashing an unstoppable service return at some speed. Federer responds with a great pick up on the next on the baseline, but Tsonga fires down another winner for two break points. Tsonga, slipping and sliding behind the baseline is caught out as Federer saves the first and the Frenchman is grounded by another powerful groundstroke by the world No 2. A fourth successive point and the game goes Federer's way. Time for Federer to breathe a sigh of relief.

11.12 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 2-1 Federer Federer's well and truly into top gear now and surprisingly Tsonga's concentration levels take a slight dip as the Swiss moves to three break points. Federer makes his way to the net but Tsonga won't give in without a fight and saves the first two. He saves the third with a much-needed ace but sees off a fourth before edging back in front in the fourth.

11.06 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 1-1 Federer* Tsonga is moved side-to-side by Federer, hanging in the point but he's forced to make one return too many. The Frenchman has really raised his stamina levels and his speed at the back of the court since shifting a few pounds. It's not affected his power either, getting plenty of muscle on a volley for 15-all but Federer isn't about to let his level drop and takes the game.

11.03 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 1-0 Federer A high-tempo start from Tsonga as the Frenchman puts another disappointing tie-break behind him with a love game.

10.58 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-7 Federer OOoooh, it's tense out there and Tsonga might pay for a missed volley as he trails 2-1, but wait it's deja vu as Federer makes a hash of an easy volley. The players change ends with little between the two of them at three-apiece. Federer loads a return with top-spin to edge closer to the set but Tsonga pegs him back to 5-4 when he executes a volley second time round. A classic backhand winner brings up two set points for Federer, how he likes that, and the crowd are up on their feet when Tsonga finds the tramlines with his backhand volley. FEDERER WINS THE THIRD SET

10.52 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Federer Much to the crowd's amazement Federer pulls off a stupendous return which Tsonga manages to charge down but Federer drills back into an empty court. Tsonga shakes himself into action and quells Federer's supporters by forcing his rival to make an error and edges 40-30 up. A huge first serve is just what he wanted to head into another tie-break.

10.47 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 5-6 Federer* Tsonga is in here at a mini-break up, or not as Federer flashes a sublime backhand winner down the line. Tsonga hangs his head in his legs as he misses a sliced backhand return and when he fires long, Federer has game point and Tsonga knows he's missed a trick. Another long return and now the Frenchman is serving to stay in the set.

10.44 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 5-5 Federer An almighty shriek from one excited female follower breaks the silence on Rod Laver but it's premature with Tsonga 40-love up. A second later and she'd have been on cue as Federer squares one into the crowd off his racket.

10.42 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 4-5 Federer* After earlier wobbles on serve from both men this set is fast approaching it's conclusion as Federer adds another easy game to his name.

10.39 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 4-4 Federer Tsonga continues to rack up the aces (that's 11 now for the match) as he matches Federer with a love game. It's nip and tuck out there, whoever wins this set will go on to win the match. There I've said it. Let's hear your predictions.

10.36 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 3-4 Federer* Both players have rediscovered their best form in the mid-stages of this third set and back in control of their service games as Federer records back-to-back love games.

10.34 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 3-3 Federer Tsonga is back on, er, song and has Federer rattled (does he ever get rattled?) by even coming out on top of their baseline slug-fests. He wraps up the game with a well-executed forehand.

Andrew Naismith has an idea who Murray would prefer to face in semis:

Surely Murray would prefer Federer (albeit having edged the match 40-38 in the final set!)? He knows Federer’s game so well for starters, has a decent record against him (including, now, beating him in a ‘big’ final), and does need to be properly tested before meeting ND.

10.30 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 2-3 Federer* Great pressure by Federer as a comfortable hold to love makes Tsonga retreat to his chair mulling over that last service game.

10.28 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 2-2 Federer A brave second serve from Tsonga comes off as he forces Federer into an unforced error for game point, Federer keeps him at bay with a passing forehand but an inch-perfect winner from Tsonga brings up advantage. Two deuces later and further slugging at the back of the court coupled with a loose shot from Tsonga gifts Federer break point but he averts the danger with a whipping forehand and some strong first serves. Tsonga had to dig in there but survived the longest game of the night.

10.18 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 1-2 Federer* A change of racket for Tsonga at 30-all down and it makes the difference, well kind of as Federer is forced to go long and goes slightly too long. Tsonga challenges a call mid-way during a rally and this is risky-play by the Frenchman. Maybe not as his challenge was spot on and he now has break point back. Federer goes for a big-un and flashes a forehand into the tramlines. Wow. More twists to this set already than in the rest of the match. TSONGA BREAKS

10.15 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 0-2 Federer Federer hopes to take advantage of Tsonga's sluggish start to the third and races to 30-love before Tsonga kicks into action again firing down a forehand which Federer is equal too but drilling home a second successive forehand which this time Federer can't match for 30-all. Federer isn't downbeat, advancing to net and volleying with venom to have a first look at his break point in quite some time. He has the break he wanted when Tsonga's volley hits the tape. FEDERER BREAKS

10.11 Tsonga 6-7, 6-4, 0-1 Federer* A slight dip in concentration at the start of the third as Federer collects another straight-forward service game.

10.05 *Tsonga 6-7, 6-4 Federer An unstoppable first serve, his fastest of the match at 135mph, is the best possible way for Tsonga to start this game and he moves to within two points of the set when Federer fails to pass the Frenchman. Federer nets to hand his rival three set points, he hits long on the first but takes the set on the next. TSONGA WINS SECOND SET TO LEVEL MATCH

<noframe>Twitter: Beyond The Baseline - Tsonga holds easily, now even at a set a piece, 67 64. Has been such a controlled performance from Jo. 1st set lost by Federer at <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=AusOpen" target="_blank">#AusOpen</a>.</noframe>

10.01 Tsonga 6-7, 5-4 Federer* The Frenchman makes a passing winner look easy as Federer can only watch the ball glide past him. Federer's 21st unforced error gives Tsonga another glimpse of a break at 30-15 but Federer swats away the danger for game point. Tsonga will have to serve to level the match.

09.58 *Tsonga 6-7, 5-3 Federer Tsonga is now staying toe-to-toe with Federer even at the baseline and by continuing his strong serving he is now a game away from taking the first set off Federer for the first time in Melbourne this year.

09.54 Tsonga 6-7, 4-3 Federer* An attractive outswinging forehand winner puts Tsonga on the board and he has a mini-break when Federer makes an uncharacteristic error. Now it's time for Federer to panic as another error presents him with a break point and he takes it as the world No 2 is forced to play one more shot and he hits wide. That's a second break of the match for the Frenchman. TSONGA BREAKS

09.50 *Tsonga 6-7, 3-3 Federer Boom, boom, boom part II. Another easy game for Tsonga in under a minute. Back to you Roge.

09.49 Tsonga 6-7, 2-3 Federer* Tsonga goes for a slapped forehand across court but his timing is off and it lands in the tramlines. Another unforced error gives Federer the game and we remain on serve in the set.

09.46 *Tsonga 6-7, 2-2 Federer Boom, boom, boom. Service game to love..me thinks we're heading for another tie-break the way this is going. Neither player has had a glimpse at even a mini-break as yet.

09.43 Tsonga 6-7, 1-2 Federer* Third game of the second set done and dusted after just nine minutes as Federer holds firm again. Tsonga doesn't have a great record when it comes to taking on the world top 10 players in recent encounters. It will be tough for him to break that run given Federer's dominance in Australia this past fortnight.

09.40 *Tsonga 6-7, 1-1 Federer No worries for Tsonga either as he drops just a point on his way to a regulation game. The games are short and fast, which suits both players not so great for my fingers trying to keep on top of the action.

09.38 Tsonga 6-7, 0-1 Federer* A solid start to the second set as Federer races to another lead as is his style. The world No 2 shows soft hands at the net to put Tsonga on the backfoot and he holds to love.

09.32 Tsonga 6-7 Federer A slight delay at the start of the tie-break as the umpire requests for a radio or something to be turned down, it might have unsettled Tsonga as he falls 2-0 behind and looks down at his feet. It seems like he's slipping behind the baseline and it's throwing his balance, luckily he's back in the tie-break with some sound approach play at the net but whatever the Frenchman can do, Federer can match as he charges to the net to volley his way to a 4-2 lead. A booming serve brings Tsonga back at 5-3 and he passes an advancing Federer to move to within a point of the Swiss. Federer serves and volleys his way to two set points and when Tsonga hits a regulation backhand into the net he has the set. FEDERER WINS FIRST SET

09.26 Tsonga 6-6 Federer* Anxious moments for Federer then, nope. This set is going one way as Federer dances round the court and fires down another ace. Tie-break here we come.

09.22 *Tsonga 6-5 Federer Tsonga gets away with a casual drop shot as Federer advances makes the return but hits it long. The Frenchman powers down a forehand for three game points and this time he prevents Federer a sniff and Federer is again serving to stay in the opening set.

09.20 Tsonga 5-5 Federer* Federer gets a few timely first serves in and it makes all the difference as he easily holds, making Tsonga serve again in double-quick time.

09.17 *Tsonga 5-4 Federer Tsonga now has a slight wobble on his serve allowing Federer a look at a break point after failing to dispatch a volley and Federer's return is loaded with top-spin that Tsonga can't move his body out of the way in time to get his racket head on the ball. Tsonga saves the break and contains the threat with some classy serve-volleying.

09.12 Tsonga 4-4 Federer* Federer is being more workman-like than fluid at moment, digging in despite his last service wobble, dropping just a point - albeit in the form of a double fault.

09.10 *Tsonga 4-3 Federer Tsonga backs up his break of serve by taking a grip of proceedings and containing Federer with some powerful first serves and heavy groundstrokes. He can't get the better of Federer from the baseline but when the rallies are short, he's well on top and leads for first time in match.

09.06 Tsonga 3-3 Federer* A few errors creeping into Federer's game now as a forehand goes spinning long to hand Tsonga a mini-break. He goes for a whipping forehand winner but can't pull it off and Federer pegs him back to deuce. Tsonga brings up another break point when he rattles a fizzing service return past Federer and he HAS THE BREAK when Federer sends a return long. That's the first time Federer has been broken at the Australian Open. TSONGA BREAKS

09.01 *Tsonga 2-3 Federer Tsonga up to speed now and surges to 40-love again before Federer unleashes a superb winner inside the line. He can't return Tsonga's next mighty first serve though.

08.58 Tsonga 1-3 Federer* Both men dressed in grey for tonight's clash but with flashes of colour. Federer's pink laced-shoes dance up and down the baseline and maybe a glimpse of them even threw him off guard as he miss hits a regulation forehand and then follows it up by over-egging a backhand, oh my we have break point. Federer is yet to be broken in Australia yet and he's not to give a game away freely moving Tsonga side-to-side and the Frenchman gives his lower back a rub. A second break point opening passes him by and Federer pins his rival behind the baseline to move two games ahead again.

08.51 *Tsonga 1-2 Federer Tsonga feeling his way more in this game and advances to the net where possible to throw Federer off his stride and cut short the rallies. He races to 40-love before Federer pegs him back to 30 but a long forehand allows Tsonga to get on the board.

08.49 Tsonga 0-2 Federer* Federer, in true Federer fashion, is into his service stride already and Tsonga can't take a point off the Swiss.

08.46 *Tsonga 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server) Tsonga's serve is going to be key but an early double fault gives Federer mini-break and he slam dunks for two break points in the opening game. He can't get enough on a first service return, Federer strikes a winner on the next to steal an early march. FEDERER BREAKS

08.35 Federer and Tsonga's last encounter came back at the ATP World Tour Finals in 2011 when Federer won in straight sets so it will be interesting to see what difference a year has made. The Frenchman says he's shed a few pounds during the off-season after teaming up with Aussie coach Roger Rasheed, who use to train Lleyton Hewitt. Anyway, here we go...

08.32 Tsonga is marching with purpose down the corridor to the Rod Laver Arena, leaving Federer in his shadows, a sign of things to come? Tsonga gives himself a once over and then enters the stage to mild applause before Australia's favourite ever athlete appears and the crowd go wild. Maybe not wild but I'm sure you get the idea.

08.15 The Australian Open is where it all began for Tsonga five years ago. The now world No 8 shocked the tennis world when the unseeded, little-heard of Frenchman downed Murray (who was then seeded ninth) in the first round and progressed all the way to the final after beating No 2 seed Rafa Nadal in the semis before being beaten by Novak Djokovic.

08.00 As Andy Murray slopes off for a well-deserved ice bath after demolishing Jeremy Chardy in straight sets the hard work begins for Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as they battle for their place in the semi-finals in Melbourne and a clash with the British No 1. This winning lark is all a bit easy for Federer though. Not my words, the winner of 17 grand slam titles says so, backing the theory that you do truly get better with age.

Who would argue? I mean Federer, at the over-the-hill age of 31, is through to his 35th consecutive grand slam quarter-final appearance and throughout this fortnight in Australia has not dropped serve in his 57 games.

Times have changed. Conditions have slowed down. That gives you an opportunity to be more consistent in all four majors, while before we had the clay court specialists, the fast court players. Maybe I’m taking away things from myself a little bit, but I truly believe things are a bit easier to play more consistent today.

Arrogance from Federer there? Surely not. He has a right to be so but I quite fancy Tsonga to make him sweat for victory today, maybe even breaking the former world No 1 four or five times, controversial I know but the Frenchman is the No 7 seed after all.

Their head-to-head record isn't great reading for the Frenchman, though, losing eight of their 11 meetings against a player who last year was voted Australia's most popular athlete for the third successive year with Glenn McGrath, who retired from Test cricket five years ago, in second place.

"Australians are very attracted to athletes who are seen as competitive and humble and Roger embodies these attributes," gemba Asset Study (gES) director Rob Mills says.